Today's News

With the passing of the Winter Solstice, each day becomes a little longer. Although it is still quite a few days until spring, 4-H members interested in livestock projects must be planning now for their participation.

U.S. agriculture rebounded quickly from the effects of the commodity market ‘crash’ in 2008 and the serious global recession in 2009. USDA is projecting U.S. net farm income to be up 24 percent this year. Most of the increase in farm income is coming from improved market conditions for beef cattle, dairy, poultry, and recent surges in corn and soybean prices. The balance sheet for ag is strong, despite the weak macro economy.

Washington County will face one of the hottest teams in the region on Tuesday when they host district rival Bardstown.

“This region is wide open,” Commanders head coach Russell Burkhead said. “A lot of people are talking Bardstown to have a shot to win it.”
The Tigers (4-2) are a hot team but will come into hostile confines as Washington County High School will host a homecoming crowd that night.
Bardstown is under the direction of new head coach James “Boo” Brewer.

While they are only exhibition games on the St. Catharine schedule, J.T. Burton’s Patriots will have two contests this week that will go a long way to indicate where the team stands as the season’s second half gets under way.

Today at 4:30 p.m. (EST) Burton’s bunch will play the Bellarmine Knights, a team currently ranked No. 1 in NCAA D-II. Then Thursday the Patriots will play Southern Indiana University that is ranked No. 15 among NCAA D-II schools.

New program, new facilities, and, now, new coaches add to the excitement that is surrounding the Patriot athletic program.

Already on board for the last few months has been swimming coach Mike Carey and, starting in the spring semester, will be Blake Jones, coach of track and cross country for both the Patriot men and women.

With a week off and a two-game win streak, the Commanderettes are poised for improvement in the new year.

Washington County kicks off 2011 with a home bout against Burgin (5-3) on Monday at 7:30 p.m.
These two teams tangled in the preseason with Washington County prevailing 39-30.
Burgin appears to have improved and could poise a problem for the Commanderettes.
“They’re playing really well. They’ve gotten a lot better,” Commanderettes head coach Bernard Smalley said.

Todd Hamilton and Kara Rucker of Bardstown announce the birth of their daughter at 2:57 a.m. Dec. 17, 2010 at Baptist Hospital East.

Vivian Mae Hamilton weighed 8 pounds, 8.3 ounces and was 20.75 inches in length.
Maternal grandparents are June and Geri Rucker of Lebanon.
Paternal grandparents are Nick and Sherry Hamilton of Springfield.
Great-grandparents are Frances Rucker of Lebanon, Maurice and Rose Smith of Springfield and Violet Hamilton of Springfield, and the late James A. Hamilton.

St. Catharine College will offer its first ever master’s programs beginning in 2012, according to President William D. Huston.

The announcement was made at the annual meeting of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville.
“This was one of those memorable days that I will always remember during my tenure at SCC,” said Huston.